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Zen Threshold to Eternity

HSIEH YU-HUNG

MAX Design

Silver Prize

"A thoughtfully detailed and symbolically rich space with a strong spiritual character."

-------- Review from Future Art & Design Award

Winners Gallery displays only a representative image (thumbnail) of each entry.

Project description

This project is intricately anchored in the essence of Buddhist aesthetics, subtly intertwining Eastern Zen philosophy with a contemporary design vocabulary to shape a serene and dignified memorial sanctuary. The design aspires to create a space that is both solemn and spiritually enriching, offering visitors an atmosphere of quiet reflection and inner peace. Through a meticulous selection of natural materials, carefully orchestrated lighting, and intentionally planned spatial flow, the designer interprets traditional spiritual elements with a refined contemporary approach. Light and shadow guide the senses, while the textures of stone, wood, and fabric cultivate an immersive calmness. In this contemplative setting, every detail resonates with subtle elegance, gently leading individuals into a state of transcendence. Ultimately, this thoughtfully crafted environment becomes more than a physical space—it is a sanctuary that honors memory, nurtures spiritual reflection, and provides a profound experience of inner stillness.


The large mural at the entrance resonates with the wall-mounted lighting, creating a soft and inviting warmth. The arched ceiling features a gradient of deep blue with a starry texture, complemented by golden Roman column capitals and ornate wall details, seamlessly blending Eastern and Western design elements. Curved ceilings and walls without sharp edges, paired with linear lighting, naturally guide the eye and movement, ensuring smooth and harmonious transitions between spaces. In the main worship area, the Buddha statue is framed by a series of recessed arches layered in gentle progression, accented with luminous rings of light. This design not only highlights the statue’s solemn presence but also evokes a sense of spatial rhythm and progression, inviting quiet contemplation.


The overall space is illuminated with warm golden accents, evoking the impression of sacred light gently cascading from above. From the reception area, through the corridor, and into the main hall, the layout follows a wider front that gradually extends into a deeper rear. This spatial arrangement is designed to echo the rhythm of a ceremonial procession, gradually revealing the layers of the interior in a poised and graceful sequence.


Geometric patterns across the flooring, calligraphic wall hangings, and the refined application of metallic finishes together enrich the visual experience. These elements balance the traditional sense of ritual with the sophistication of contemporary design, allowing the space to honor cultural heritage while reflecting modern aesthetics. In doing so, the environment achieves a serene dignity, offering a setting where remembrance, reflection, and artistry converge in harmony.


This project integrates religious art, design aesthetics, and funeral functions, making religious spaces more accessible to younger generations and helping society adopt a more natural and healthy attitude toward death. While embodying profound cultural sustainability, it also promotes the development of life education.In terms of environmental sustainability, the project utilizes mineral-based coatings and low-carbon stone-plastic flooring materials, combined with removable ceilings and modular LED lighting fixtures to minimize waste and enhance maintenance efficiency. The facility also features high flexibility, enabling future adjustments to accommodate diverse needs and ensuring the long-term value of the space.

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